Top adventurous activities in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for thrill-seeking travelers. Find out the best things to do on an adventure trip to this tear-drop shaped island in South Asia.

Climb to the Top of Sigiriya

Probably the country’s most iconic and recognizable landmark, Sigiriya (translating to “Lion’s Rock” in Sinhalese), is a 5th-century fort and palace. Along the 1,217 steps to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll learn about the previous inhabitants of the rock, walk between a pair of giant, carved lion’s paws (great spot for a photo opp), pass by monks’ ancient paintings on the rock, and ultimately, reach the top where you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of the valley below. Plan to make a visit to Sigiriya your first stop in the morning, as close to the park’s opening time as possible (7 a.m.)—not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also beat the crowds. Even by 9 a.m., the park is pretty packed, and the single-file staircase to the top becomes a clogged funnel of people shuffling to the summit. Early risers will get gorgeous sunrise views and people-free photos.

Go on Safari

Going on safari is a given if you’re looking for adventure in Sri Lanka, but the tough part is deciding when and what type of safari to choose. One of the most popular spots is Yala National Park in the southern part of the country. Here, you’ll spot crocodiles, several species of birds, elephants, and—if you’re lucky—one of the evasive leopards. (Be sure to look up in the tree branches as well for these guys.) For a different experience, book a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park. Just as it sounds, this safari takes you on the water to cruise around in small boats that hold about 10 people. You’ll spot various bird species and also elephants on the rocks and islands around you. If you’re short on time, or just want to make sure you secure your elephant sighting before your return flight, head to Minneriya National Park. Up until 1997 when it was converted to a national park, this was an elephant sanctuary, and it’s considered one of the best places in Sri Lanka (and in the world) to spot large herds of elephants. It’s possible to spot groups of 20 or more at once, so get your cameras ready!

Go Whale Watching

Blue whales are endangered, so they’re typically pretty rare to spot; however, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere (and the world) to spot them. The most popular place to go whale watching to search for the elusive blue whale (or one of the many other whale species in the area) is in Mirissa, a town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. There, November to April are prime whale watching season before monsoon season occurs in May through September and the waters become too rough. If spotting a blue whale is on your Sri Lanka bucket list, be sure to book a tour with a responsible tour company (one option is Raja and the Whales) that follows regulations for approaching whales and limiting the impact made on their environment.

Hike in the Knuckles Mountains

This mountain range (also known as the Dumbara mountain range) in central Sri Lanka gets its name from its appearance that looks like a clenched fist, and it’s home to several great hiking trails, especially due to its beautiful flora and fauna. You can hike to gorgeous caves and waterfalls, as well as spectacular viewpoints like Mini World’s End, but you’ll need a guide to assist you along the trails—lack of marked or mapped trails and unpredictable weather can make a solo visit dangerous. Since Kandy is a close and common starting point for many hikers, you can find local guides there, and many hotels can assist with that.

Bike Through the Country’s Best Sights

Sri Lanka’s varied terrain offers a variety of bicycling options—you can pedal alongside rice fields and local villages, you can test your endurance biking through the rolling hills of tea country, or you can ride a route that takes you through some of the country’s top historical and cultural highlights. For the latter, consider cycling the route of the Cultural Triangle, which winds through Buddhist temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cities, and more. The three corners are Kandy (a large city surrounded by tea plantations and home of the sacred Temple of the Tooth); Anuradhapura (the first ancient capital, dating back to 380 B.C. known for its well-preserved ruins); and Polonnaruwa (the second capital city after Anuradhapura that’s known for amazing archeological structures and for being the location of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom). Sigiriya is also on this route. Cycling around the Cultural Triangle to add some adventure to the sights you should visit on a trip.

Go Surfing

Sri Lanka has several great surfing spots, most of which span the country from the southwest to the southeast, and choosing the best area mostly depends on when you’re visiting due to the country’s distinct wet (monsoon) and dry seasons. On the east coast, head to Arugam Bay from May to October during the region’s dry season. The southern and southwestern coasts are experiencing dry season from November to March, so during those times, you can visit the popular surf areas of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, or Midigama. Head further up the western side of the island for one of the most popular kite-surfing destinations, the Kalpitiya peninsula, where you can kite-surf in the calmer lagoon or cross to the other side of the peninsula to test your skills in the waves of the Indian Ocean.

See more: Explore the amazing destinations in Sri Lanka

Source: Internet

Admire the best museums and galleries in Muscat, Oman

With thousands of artefacts and other valuables of historic importance housed under one roof, it is worth visiting a museum, like these five museums right here in Muscat.

Al Madina Art Gallery

Based in the Muscat suburb of Madinat Qaboos, the Al Madina Art Gallery first opened its doors in 2004. Since then it has excelled in exhibiting Omani and expatriate amateur artists, as well as more established painters and photographers. The gallery includes workshops and field trips for all ages; reconnecting Oman’s growing and diversifying population with its vibrant and historic culture.
The gallery also has an impressive gift shop full of intricate Omani artefacts, many of which are made in the gallery’s workshop. Al Madina holds exhibitions for local and international visual artists in the region like French-born Juliette Thomson’s, whose work resonates with her surroundings in Oman.

The National Museum Oman

A newcomer to the cultural scene, The National Museum Oman was established in 2013 to display Oman’s cultural heritage, from prehistoric times to the present. The institution aims to spread appreciation and recognition of Oman within the Sultanate, but also to educate the international community about Oman’s role in history.

With an exhibition space and over 10 galleries, the museum hosts a permanent collection and also has a gallery for temporary exhibitions. On display are some rare gold coins and utensils found in a recently excavated 16th-century shipwreck, thought to be part of Vasco Da Gama’s fleet, among other surprising things.

Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum

Inaugurated in 1988 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Armed Forces Museum is a treasured monument that houses a variety of clothes, weapons, and other defence systems from the Omani armed forces, as well as walk you through the stages of its development throughout history.

Stal Gallery

Whilst the previous Omani galleries mentioned are increasingly international in their outlook, Stal Gallery focuses on Muscat’s residents and local artists. Set up by the non-for-profit Alserkal group in September 2013, the gallery serves as a shining beacon for the artistic community of Oman. The space serves as a hub for visual art lovers and artists; with exhibitions of refreshing mixed media; from photography to lithography.

One artist currently exhibiting at Stal, Alia Alfarsi, has gained recognition from her series of striking portraits of women. The artworks are created using a collage of textures, from real fabrics to create the woman’s clothing from torn pieces of writing as if to capture the woman’s conversation.

Muscat Gate Museum

As guests ascend the stairs to the Muscat Gate Museum, they can take in a spectacular view of the city. Inside, the museum showcases Oman’s history and unique architecture, with an emphasis on the capital. There is also information about the ancient Aflaj irrigation systems, which Oman is famous for, and date back to 500 AD.

See more: Top places to visit Oman

Source Internet

The best patbingsu shops in Busan, Korea

Bingsu, or Korean shaved ice, is the perfect treat in sweltering South Korean summer weather. Here’s where you can get it in Busan.

Bibibidang

Bibibidang is a traditional-style Korean teahouse, located on Haeundae’s artsy Dalmaji Hill. It serves a number of traditional Korean desserts, including a delicious hobakbingsu, or sweet pumpkin shaved ice. The teahouse has a lovely, vintage-style interior and sweeping views out over the ocean. As well as bingsu, you can try a wide variety of Korean teas, all of which are served with dashik (traditional Korean confectionary designed to accompany tea).

Dala 100% Chocolate

No prizes for guessing what kind of bingsu is served here. Dala 100% Chocolate is a dessert café that focuses on all things rich and chocolatey, and their ‘Dinosaur Egg Bingsu’ is no exception – comprised of shaved ice and chocolate flakes, it’s topped with chocolate syrup and a generous scoop of ice cream (and small chocolate dinosaur) inside a massive chocolate dinosaur egg. It’s in the popular café area of Jeonpo and the bright pink exterior makes it easy to find.

Sulbing

Sulbing is an iconic South Korean dessert café chain that specialises in bingsu. It’s one of the best places to go if you want to choose from a wide range of flavours, including strawberry cheesecake, mango and traditional injeolmi. There are Sulbing cafés all over Busan, but the best-located is perhaps in Millak, on the eastern side of Gwangalli Beach – the café looks out over the beach and the famous Gwangan Bridge, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the lovely (and underrated) waterfront between Millak Hoe Center and Millak Waterside Park where young Koreans congregate to eat street food in the evening. There’s also a Sulbing on the main road at Haeundae.

Bosung Nokcha

Bosung Nokcha is located in Namcheon, within walking distance from Gwangalli Beach. Although it’s a little tucked away, it’s well worth the journey. The café’s two floors are surrounded by greenery, making it look wild and overgrown from the outside. Inside, wooden floors and furniture meld harmoniously with the trees and leaves. It serves traditional-style patbingsu at an unbeatable price – a one-person serving is 2,500 won (approx. US $2.22).

Halmae Patbingsu

Halmae means ‘grandmother’ in Korean and this shop sells simple, traditional (and cheap!) patbingsu, just the way a grandmother would make it. The name also makes it easy to spot – just look out for the smiling old lady on the sign. It’s a little way away from the main tourist drag, but close to Igidae Coastal Park. It’s best combined with a bracing walk along Igidae’s dramatic shoreline.

See more: Enjoy the best dishes from seafood in Busan

Source: Internet